The new head executive in Chicago is filling out his basketball operations department.
Bryson Graham, the new executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, is filling out his front office ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The organization announced six additions or promotions to its basketball operations department on Thursday afternoon, as a variety of new staffers will aim to help Graham turn the struggling franchise around.
Here's everything you need to know about the newest changes to Graham's front office:
Brian Hagen: Senior Vice President of Player Personnel
Hagen has worked within the franchise since 2012, and now earns a promotion. He had been Chicago's director of player personnel since 2023 and served as the inaugural general manager of the Windy City Bulls from 2016 to 2019. Prior to his role leading player personnel, Hagen was the Bulls' associate general manager. He also worked for the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2006 to 2012.
Dionne Calhoun: Assistant Athletic Trainer
Calhoun comes to Chicago after spending 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. He was hired in 2004 and became the franchise's head athletic trainer in 2019. The Mavericks dismissed Calhoun, along with several other members of the team's health and performance staff, following a 2025 season that was filled with injuries. Calhoun also possesses international experience, having been an athletic trainer for USA Basketball during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Jun 17, 2026; Chicago, Il, USA; Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham (R) introduces Chicago Bulls new head coach Tiago Splitter (L) during a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Alex Kaufman: Senior Manager of Basketball Operations, General Manager of Windy City Bulls
Kaufman is someone that Graham has experience with from his time with the New Orleans Pelicans. The New Orleans native spent seven seasons with the organization, which most recently included a stint as the general manager of the franchise's G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron. Now, Kaufman looks to do the same in Chicago with a "dual role" position.
Jarrett Sutton: Scout and Intelligence Coordinator
Similar to Kaufman, Sutton comes to Chicago by way of New Orleans, where he was a Midwest regional scout for the past seven seasons. Sutton has also worked for the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors organizations in his career.
Justin Irwin: Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
After spending three years as the head strength and conditioning coach of the Windy City Bulls, Irwin has earned a call up to the NBA level. He'll be joining the Chicago Bulls for this upcoming season.
Noah Fax: Coordinator of Basketball Operations
Fax is entering his second season in the organization after serving as a rotational associate for the Bulls last year. He participated in the NBA's Future Basketball Operational Stars development program last fall, and during this upcoming season, Fax will participate in FIBA's NXT Leaders program.
